Well, I'm pretty sure it's taking off, if I'm right about the meaning of the dust. I don't think landings kick up that much. But if it is landing, it's possible the soldiers aren't worried because they know it'll stop well before it reaches them, because I believe military aircraft like that are designed to stop on short runways.

Some are designed like that such as the C-130 but a C-17 needs a fairly long runway. I do believe that the aircraft is taking off due to the dust which you pointed out but the view of a landing aircraft is virtually the same so I thought it looked funny

For instance, despite their size limiting where they can land, V22 Ospreys make good evac extraction aircraft, because they can hover in close and pick up troops like a helicopter, then tilt their rotors forward and speed away from the danger zone faster than a helicopter.

He had one of them once, there was this guy sleeping in his sleeping bag on camp so we decided to gaffa tape him to a telegraph pole. But our commanding officer was heading our way so we "dropped your shit and ran". Fortunately, he was still asleep and was gaffa taped enough to remain attached. The officer then called us back and "... told us to finish the job you started!"He was one of the best officers ever!

I also enter lurker mode form time to time.Well, i have been playing Battlefield 3 (a lot).And i am going on some vacations tomorrow. Skying, and before you ask, on Vail, Colorado. It a little bit far, i know, but i guess that is the closest spot for good skying (since in Mexico we lack on the snow department)

After a few more falls and some new bruises in the collection, i already have decided that i will swich to skis. Do not get me wrong, snowboard is cool and all that, but i do not want to spend my time in bed, barely able to move due to muscle strain and bruises.Perhaps, next time i come skiing (lets hope it is not 5 years from now) i can once again try snowboard.